Q: Hi, I struggle with a crippling fear of death and I haven't read your book yet but someone on Reddit suggested I come here. Does reaching true adulthood stop death anxiety?

A: Fear of death can be one of the most destabilizing experiences a person can face. But what you’re really asking here is whether you can get rid of fear without losing yourself. Can the false self become mature enough to not fear its own extinction? That’s like asking if a shadow can become brave in the face of light.

Death anxiety isn’t really about t…